New Kent woman placed on one-year probation for leaving child unsupervised

A New Kent woman who left a child unsupervised for several hours has entered a no contest plea to one count of felony child abuse.

Sha’la Deloris Tucker, 32, of the 11000 block of Knockholt Lane, entered the plea as part of Monday proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court.

In a summary of evidence, on Jan. 10, a child who was supposed to be under Tucker’s care arrived home from school. When the child arrived, Tucker was not present, prompting the child to call another relative. That relative contacted authorities, who responded to Tucker’s home only to find the child. A responded deputy contacted Tucker, discovering that she was at work.

No formal finding has been rendered at this time, as she has been placed on a deferred disposition for one year. Tucker was ordered to a class and placed in probation. If she successfully completes the class, the charge will be dismissed.

In another case, a Richmond man entered a guilty plea to altering the vehicle identification number as part of a plea deal.

Guesner Henry Price III, 31, of the 3300 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, pled guilty to the charge as part of the agreement. One charge of possession of stolen goods was dropped.

In a summary of evidence, on June 29, 2023, a police officer executed a traffic stop on a vehicle Price was dropping. When inspecting the vehicle, the officer noticed the vehicle identification number had been tampered with. Price admitted to the offense, leading to his arrest.

Under the agreement, Price received a five-year sentence with all time suspended.